Страница 893 из 1118

He gave their arms to them again, of which they had been

deprived; as also to the peasants of the valley, who were willing

to engage in its defence: he named officers, and appointed to

them their duty and their different stations, as he had been

accustomed to do in his former criminal life. He himself,

however, whether from principle, or that he had made a vow to

that effect, remained unarmed at the head of his garrison.

He also employed the females of the household in preparing beds,

straw, mattresses, sacks, in various rooms intended as temporary

dormitories. He ordered abundant provisions to be brought to the

castle for the use of the guests God should send him; and in the

mean while he was himself never idle, visiting every post,

examining every defence, and maintaining the most perfect order

by his authority and his presence.

CHAPTER XXX.